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The legal status of Prostitution in South America varies widely, but it tends to be very liberal. It is a driver of AIDS in certain countries such as Brazil.
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Argentina
Prostitution itself (exchanging sex for money) is legal, but organized prostitution (brothels, prostitution rings, pimping) is illegal.
Bolivia
In Bolivia, prostitution is legal and regulated.
Brazil
Prostitution that is the exchange of sex for money is legal, but organised activities such as brothels and pimping are illegal, prostitution is not regulated
Chile
Although adult prostitution is legal in Chile, bordellos are not.
Colombia
Prostitution is legal as long as it is done in designated "tolerance zones".
Ecuador
Prostitution is legal and regulated, as long as the prostitute is over the age of 18. The ownership of brothels is also permitted. Prostitution is widespread throughout the country.
Guyana
Prostitution is illegal.
Paraguay
Prostitution is legal for persons over the age of 18. Prostitution is common in the country.
Peru
Prostitution is legal for women over 18 years of age if they register with municipal authorities and carry a health certificate. Brothels must be licensed.
Suriname
Prostitution is illegal, but the laws are rarely enforced.
Uruguay
Prostitution was legislated in 2002 through the sex work law (17.515). Before that, prostitution was unlegislated but it was not illegal, since the constitution allows any activity that is not forbidden by law.
Venezuela
Prostitution is legal and regulated. The punishment for involving minors in prostitution is 3 to 6 years. The Criminal Code prohibits inducing the prostitution or corruption of minors. Punishment is imprisonment for 3 to 18 months. The penalty is doubled if the perpetrator first “corrupted” the minor (that is, if the victim was a virgin). The imprisonment increases to 1 to 4 years if the minor is below the age of 12, if the act is committed by means of fraud or deceit, or if the perpetrator of the act is a person entrusted with the custody or care of the child.